Post by
ArizonaG35 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/arizonag35-u68499.html
Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:54 pm
I recently purchased a set of OEM Titanium paddle shifters for my 2007 Infiniti G35 Journey. I purchased these paddle shifters from a seller on Ebay who had an additional OEM set new in box for $225.00. This distributor does not specialize in paddle shifters, so you may have to buy these from your local dealer or search on Ebay for them. You may even be able to get a set from a local salvage yard that is parting out a wrecked G35. Had I chosen to go to the dealer for this installation, it would have cost me well over $800.00 for parts and labor! I'm not certain that this is compatible with all models of the 2007+ G35 sedan so do your homework before you purchase this for yourself. I believe that this modification will make a G3X a G35XS as the only real difference in the Sport model is the 18" rims and paddle shifters. I don't count the seat extensions in the sport as that much of an upgrade... just my opinion.
I received the paddle shifters this morning and couldn't wait to get started on the install. I received an instructional CD with the shifters that thoroughly walked me step by step through the process. After reviewing the CD, I was confident that this was an undertaking I could manage. I would not consider myself a genius when it comes to mechanics, but I have a good head on my shoulders and a decent sense of how things work so don't be intimidated to attempt this installation yourself. It is VERY MUCH worth it!
Total installation time was about an hour from start to finish.
The paddle shifter package included:Two (2) Titanium Paddle shifters (Pre wired and ready to connect)Lower trim pieceUpper trim pieceLeft side trim pieceRight side trim pieceFour (4) 10mm coarse thread trim boltsTwo (2) 10mm lock nutsInstructional CD
Tools Needed:One (1) 19mm socketOne (1) 10mm socketOne (1) Socket wrench with extension for aboveOne (1) Phillips head screwdriverOne (1) "Miniature" standard head screwdriverOne (1) T-30 Tamper proof bit or wrenchFour (4) #6 or #8 X 1" coarse thread screws
Before you get started, telescope your steering wheel all the way out and up to give yourself room to work. Align the steering wheel in a straight position and turn the vehichle off. Allow the steering wheel to lock, but note the steering wheel postion is not in the perfect 12 o'clock position as we'll address this later.
IMPORTANT!DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY! You don't want a face full of airbag when installing these paddle shifters! I only removed the negative (Black) terminal which does the trick.
Disassembly:
Remove the two plastic circular covers on the side of the steering wheel, exposing the T-30 Tamper proof airbag mounts. (Set aside)
Remove the Airbag mount screws (in the circular hole) using the T-30 Tamper Proof screw driver. (Set aside) These screws were very stubborn to remove so I used the assistance of my handy cordless drill to pursuade them out. Be very careful not to strip these screws. Gently remove the airbag unit (Horn button) from the steering wheel. Do not allow the airbag unit to hang from its connecting wires. Unclip the airbag connection by unsnapping the black clasp on top of the Orange and Yellow Airbag connections. Set the airbag unit aside. Disconnect the (Gray) steering wheel connection and the (Clear) ground wire from the steering assembly. (Pictured in center below)
Since the steering wheel is a little off center, I used a pen to mark on the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel hub to mark center. This will give you a point of reference for center and allow you to make sure the steering wheel is properly aligned when re-assembling.
Using the 19mm socket wrench with extension, unscrew the center hub steering wheel mount. (Set the nut aside for re-assembly) Grab the steering wheel at 3o'clock and 9o'clock and pull towards you for easy removal. You may need to rock the steering wheel a bit, but it should come off without much force.
Using the Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screw that holds the lower trim piece in place. This screw is located at the bottom of the steering column, just off center to the right. Set screw aside for re-installation. Then disconnect the power telescoping wheel assembly and remove from trim piece. Set aside for re-assembly to the new left hand trim piece.
Your 2007 Infinit G35 Sedan comes pre-wired for a quick connect to the paddle shifters. Locate the quick connect clip on each side of the exposed steering column and remove tape from connection clasp.
Using the pre-wired connection, connect the electrical wire to the base of your paddle shifter before you hard mount it to the steering column. Using the 10mm bolts included in your kit, securely attach the paddle shifters to each side of the steering column.
Re-Assembly
Reconnect the electrical telescoping wheel assembly and attach to new left hand trim piece. Secure the left and right trim pieces to the steering coulumn using the screws you set aside before. Connect the new lower trim piece using the same screw as before.
Re-attach the steering wheel to the center hub assembly making sure that you feed the airbag cables back through the steering wheel. When re-attaching the steering wheel, use the pen mark you made as a point of reference and make sure the steering wheel is properly aligned and threaded onto the steering column.
Using the 19mm socket wrench, re-connect the steering wheel with the lock nut you removed before. Be sure to tighten the steering wheel nut securely! You don't want that sucker coming off later!
Re-connect the airbag unit to the center of the steering wheel, matching yellow to yellow and orange to orange. Secure the Airbag assembly back to the steering wheel using the T-30 Tamper proof bolts you set aside earlier. Replace the cosmetic plastic circles on the side of the steering wheel.
Re-connect your battery. Your car may not start very well without this step!
You now have Infiniti OEM Paddle shifters for your G35!
I test drove the car soon after installation and was COMPLETELY SATISFIED! The paddle shifters work amazingly and are a great accent to the interior design to this sports sedan. Gear change requests are smooth and very quick! I would have to say that changing the gears with the paddle shifters is not only faster than the lower gear shift, but provides a smoother transition in gear changes. I would recommend this improvement to anyone who is interested in adding a little touch of F1 to your already great car! On a complication scale of 1-5 wrenches (1 being a simple oil change and 5 being a total engine overhaul) this modification was a 1.5-2 wrench project that anyone with an hour on their hands and a little general car knowledge can undertake on their own! Well worth the $225.00 and an hour of my Saturday! Happy modding and hope to hear your opinions/questions regarding this install!
Nicoclub is the best!
Thanks,Dave
Modified by ArizonaG35 at 4:05 PM 3/1/2008